.FT9 File Extension
FreeHand 9 Drawing Template
| Developer | Adobe Systems |
| Popularity | |
| Category | Vector Image Files |
| Format | .FT9 |
| Cross Platform | Update Soon |
What is an FT9 file?
The .FT9 file extension is associated with FreeHand, a graphic design and illustration software originally developed by Altsys and later acquired by Macromedia, which was eventually taken over by Adobe Systems.
FreeHand was a popular vector graphics editor used extensively by graphic designers, illustrators, and desktop publishers.
The .FT9 file specifically refers to FreeHand 9 Drawing Templates, which are template files used in version 9 of FreeHand.
These templates provide a pre-set structure and design elements that can be reused to create new illustrations and designs efficiently.
More Information.
FreeHand was initially developed by Altsys Corporation and released in 1988. It quickly gained a following among graphic designers for its advanced vector editing capabilities.
In 1994, Macromedia acquired Altsys, and FreeHand became a Macromedia product. Over the years, FreeHand evolved, incorporating more advanced features and tools, with FreeHand 9 being a pivotal release in the series.
The primary purpose of the .FT9 file was to provide users with a way to save templates that could be reused.
This was particularly useful for designers who needed to maintain a consistent look and feel across different projects or who frequently worked on similar types of designs. By using .FT9 templates, designers could save time and ensure uniformity in their work.
Origin Of This File.
The .FT9 file extension was introduced with FreeHand 9, a significant version in the FreeHand series.
FreeHand 9 was released in the late 1990s, during a period when vector graphics editors were gaining popularity due to their ability to create scalable graphics that could be resized without losing quality.
The .FT9 files were designed to save templates that included layout, styles, and other design elements, allowing users to maintain consistency across multiple projects.
File Structure Technical Specification.
The .FT9 file, like other FreeHand files, is a binary file that contains various elements of a vector graphic design. These elements include:
- Vector Paths: Defines shapes and lines using mathematical expressions.
- Colors and Styles: Includes information on colors, gradients, and styles used in the design.
- Text Elements: Contains text boxes and typographic settings.
- Layout Information: Includes data on page size, margins, and other layout specifications.
- Embedded Graphics: May contain embedded bitmap images or other vector graphics.
FreeHand files, including .FT9 templates are known for their complex structure, allowing for a high degree of precision and flexibility in graphic design.
The .FT9 files are proprietary, meaning that their exact structure is not publicly documented, but they are designed to be compatible with FreeHand 9.
How to Convert the File?
Converting .FT9 files to other formats can be challenging due to their proprietary nature. There are several methods to achieve this:
- Using FreeHand: If you have access to FreeHand 9 or later versions, you can open the .FT9 file and export it to other formats such as EPS, PDF, or AI (Adobe Illustrator).
- Using Adobe Illustrator: Adobe Illustrator can open FreeHand files, though some elements may not be perfectly preserved. Once opened in Illustrator, you can save or export the file in various formats.
- Online Conversion Tools: There are online tools and services that claim to convert .FT9 files to more widely used formats. However, the quality and accuracy of these conversions can vary.
Advantages And Disadvantages.
Advantages:
- Efficiency: Using .FT9 templates allows designers to quickly start new projects with a predefined structure, saving time and effort.
- Consistency: Templates ensure that design elements remain consistent across multiple projects, which is crucial for branding and cohesive design.
- Flexibility: FreeHand’s robust vector editing capabilities are preserved in .FT9 templates, allowing for precise and detailed designs.
Disadvantages:
- Compatibility: As a proprietary file format, .FT9 files are not universally supported by other vector graphic editors. This can pose challenges when collaborating with others who may not use FreeHand.
- Obsolescence: FreeHand was discontinued by Adobe in 2003, and while it still has a dedicated user base, it is no longer supported or updated. This can lead to compatibility issues with newer operating systems and software.
- Learning Curve: FreeHand, including the use of .FT9 templates, has a learning curve that may be steep for new users unfamiliar with vector graphics editing.
How to Open FT9?
Open In Windows
- FreeHand 9: The most straightforward way to open an .FT9 file is to use FreeHand 9, which is compatible with older versions of Windows.
- Adobe Illustrator: If you have Adobe Illustrator, you can open the .FT9 file directly or use Illustrator’s import feature.
Open In Linux
- Wine: You can try using Wine, a compatibility layer that allows you to run Windows applications on Linux. Install FreeHand 9 through Wine and open the .FT9 file.
- Inkscape: While Inkscape does not natively support .FT9 files, you can convert the file using FreeHand or Adobe Illustrator and then import the converted file into Inkscape.
Open In MAC
- FreeHand 9: FreeHand 9 is also available for Mac OS, though it may require older versions of the operating system or compatibility settings to run properly.
- Adobe Illustrator: Similar to Windows, Adobe Illustrator can be used to open .FT9 files on Mac OS.
